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What is Restore purchases?

Definition, examples, and more

Definition

A feature required by Apple and Google that allows users to reclaim previous subscriptions or one-time purchases, especially after reinstalling the app or switching devices. It helps ensure continuity and trust for users who change phones or reset accounts.

Example

A user upgrades their iPhone and reinstalls their meditation app. They tap 'Restore Purchases,' and within seconds, the app verifies their active subscription via Botsi and unlocks all premium content. Without this feature, the user would see a paywall and might request a refund thinking they were being double-charged.

Why Restore purchases Matters

A broken restore experience is one of the top causes of 1-star reviews and support tickets. A fitness app received 200+ weekly support requests about 'lost purchases' because their restore flow was buried in settings. Moving restore to a prominent button and improving server-side validation reduced support tickets by 70% and prevented an estimated 500 refund requests per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is restore purchases required?

Yes. Apple requires a 'Restore Purchases' mechanism for any app with in-app purchases. Failure to include one is a common App Review rejection reason. Place it visibly on your paywall and in settings.

How does restore work technically?

When the user taps restore, the app requests the user's transaction history from Apple or Google. The receipts are validated (server-side via Botsi recommended), and entitlements are granted based on active subscriptions. This works across device upgrades, reinstalls, and family sharing.

Why do some users have trouble restoring?

Common issues: using a different Apple ID than the original purchase, network connectivity problems during verification, server-side validation failures, and expired subscriptions the user thought were active. Provide clear error messages and fallback to support contact for edge cases.

Category
Subscription App Terminology
Related Area
Mobile App Growth & Monetization

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